09/10/2026
🆕 New message from Councillor Rhys Chant, Cabinet Member for Communities and Wellbeing at Chichester District Council:
Looking after our health and wellbeing is one of the most important investments we can make, yet many of us find it difficult to know where to start or where to turn for support. The good news is that there is a wide range of free help and advice available through our Wellbeing team, who support residents across the district to make positive and sustainable changes to their health and lifestyle.
One area where support can make a significant difference is stopping smoking. Stopping smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health, and research shows that people are far more likely to quit successfully when they have professional support. Our Wellbeing team offers a free, confidential one-to-one stop smoking service for up to 12 weeks, delivered either face-to-face or over the phone, depending on what works best for each individual.
The team can also help people access free Ni****ne Replacement Therapy where appropriate. Whether you have recently decided to quit or have tried before and would like some additional support, the service is available all year round. To find out more, visit the 'Quit smoking' page on the Chichester Wellbeing website or call 01243 521041.
Stopping smoking is just one of the many ways the Wellbeing team helps residents improve their health. The service provides friendly, practical advice on becoming more active, managing weight, eating healthily, improving mental wellbeing, and reducing stress.
For those who would like support with their alcohol consumption, our Alcohol Wellbeing Advisors offer a confidential and non-judgemental service. They work with people to understand their drinking habits and develop realistic, achievable goals that fit their lifestyle. Having access to the right guidance and encouragement can make a real difference and help people build healthier habits that last.
The team also runs 12-week weight management programmes that focus on healthy eating and sustainable lifestyle changes, rather than quick fixes. In addition, there is a 24-week falls prevention course for people who have experienced a fall or are concerned about their balance and mobility. These sessions help participants improve strength, confidence, and independence.
For local businesses, our Workplace Health Advisor works with small and medium-sized employers to support staff wellbeing and help create healthy, positive working environments.
Being physically active is an important part of both our physical and mental wellbeing, and there are plenty of opportunities to get involved. The team offers free ‘Walking with Poles' courses, led by qualified instructors, which are ideal for people who are currently doing less than the recommended amount of weekly exercise.
There is also the popular Active for Life programme, a free 10-week course delivered in partnership with local instructors, More Leisure and Thrive Gym in Selsey. The programme is designed to help people build confidence, improve fitness levels, and establish a regular exercise routine. More information can be found on the 'Active for Life' page on the Chichester Wellbeing website.
Another fantastic way to get moving and meet new people is through the HeartSmart walks programme. These volunteer-led guided walks take place throughout the year at locations across the district and are suitable for people of all ages and abilities. With two or three walks taking place every week, they provide a great opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, improve fitness, and connect with others. You can view the latest timetable on the 'Healthy walks' page on the Chichester Wellbeing website.
Whether you are looking to stop smoking, become more active, manage your weight, reduce your alcohol intake, or simply improve your overall wellbeing, support is available. Small changes can often lead to significant improvements, and having the right support can make those changes easier to achieve.
To find out more about the services available, visit the Chichester Wellbeing website, call 01243 521041, or email [email protected]. The team would be delighted to hear from you.
For links and more information, please see the comments below.
Best wishes,
Cllr Rhys Chant
Cabinet Member for Communities and Wellbeing at Chichester District Council
